Took the Prospector up Torreys yesterday. I think it is safe to say that the flat spot improves traction while skinning. I went for much longer than I expected in icy conditions before busting out the crampons. On a long slick side hill climb with crampons on I was rock solid. The last time I did this traverse was with my SL split with crampons in similar conditions and with the rocker under foot, I was still having struggles in spots. This was more relaxed. I wouldn't call it a huge difference, but just a little easier. Over a thousand vertical this is a lot of energy saved. Especially when climbing something like a fourteener.